When to Plant Lemongrass
Tropical grass with intense lemon flavor essential to Thai and Vietnamese cooking. Grows as an annual in cold zones.
The Short Answer
How to Grow Lemongrass
Lemongrass is easier than most people expect — start from grocery store stalks rather than seed. Buy fresh stalks with the base intact, trim the top, and place in a jar of water on a sunny windowsill. Roots emerge in 1-2 weeks; plant rooted stalks in the garden after frost. In warm climates (zones 9+), lemongrass is perennial and forms large, ornamental clumps. In cold zones, pot up before frost and overwinter indoors in a sunny window, or treat as annual. Cut stalks at soil level for cooking — the bottom 3-4 inches of the stalk is the usable portion.
Starting Seeds Indoors
Begin lemongrass seeds indoors 6 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 65°F to germinate, which typically takes 14-21 days. Provide 12 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.
Transplanting
Move seedlings outside 2 weeks after your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 65°F. Harden off seedlings for 7 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Growing Tips
Start from grocery store stalks — put fresh lemongrass in water until roots grow, then plant. Forms attractive ornamental clumps 3-4 feet tall. In cold zones, pot up before frost and overwinter indoors. Cut stalks at soil level for cooking.
Companion Planting
Good companions:
Lemongrass Planting Dates by State
Click your state for lemongrass planting dates specific to your location:
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026